Presidential Update
I admit to grumbling about gray rainy days. They play havoc with my hair and who likes to walk in wet shoes? But I‘ve also come to see rain as the source of much needed relief for Kansas farmers, and I’m grateful for the two water bills recently signed into law. More on that later.
For the past 71 years, the LWVJoCo has encountered myriad opportunities to work for the good of our residents. We have adopted 47 member-approved statements of public policy that were created after intensive member research and discussion. Those policies serve as the foundation for League advocacy at local, state and national levels.
Our positions fall into three major areas: Government, Natural Resources and Social Policy. League member Alleen VanBebber has volunteered to review and update the positions which will then be brought before the board and membership. Thank you, Alleen, for taking on this very important task!
LWVJoCo is known for our advocacy to influence public policy. Connie and I have appointed Danielle Keller and Laurel Burchfield to lead our newly formed advocacy team. Their mission is to educate on issues and advocacy methods, activate new and existing advocates and collaborate with like-minded organizations to expand our reach to empower voters and defend democracy. You’ll be hearing more from them in the months ahead.
Natural Resources such as water are being depleted in Kansas. Thankfully, the Governor signed two water bills into law! HB2279 addresses groundwater management and Senate Substitute Bill for HB2303 addresses funding for the State Water Plan. If you’ve been actively pursuing the preservation of natural resources in our state, please let Connie and me know.
A Social Policy of the League as adopted by the 1990 Convention and amended in 1994 and 1998 named guns as a major health and safety threat to citizens. I encourage you to attend our June 3 program, Gun Safety Impacts Public Health. Presenters Judy Sherry, founder of Grandparents for Gun Safety, and award-winning journalist Mark McCormick will discuss how gun safety measures save lives. According to Everytown for Gun Safety, 4.6 million children live in homes with at least one loaded, unlocked gun. Every life lost is a loss to the community, household and school.
Lock It For Love will distribute free gun safety locks on June 3. Here is the link to register.
Lastly, the League, in partnership with Grandparents for Gun Safety, reached out to all Johnson County Mayors with the request to issue a proclamation for June 2 National Gun Violence Prevention Day. We are encouraged by their responses. Connie Taylor accepted proclamations on our behalf at the City Councils in Roeland Park and Mission.
Thank you for persevering in your commitment to empower voters and defend democracy. I look forward to seeing you at our June 3 program and June 15 picnic. See pictures below.
Janet
Janet Milkovich and Connie Taylor
Co-Presidents